Overview
- Starting with a test in October 2025, developer registration opens in March 2026 and enforcement begins in September 2026 in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand before a phased global rollout through 2027.
- Only apps from registered, identity‑verified publishers will be installable on certified Android devices, effectively blocking installs from unverified sources outside the Play Store.
- Verification requires personal details and, in many countries, a government‑issued photo ID for individuals, while organizations must obtain a D‑U‑N‑S number, and apps with their signing keys must be registered.
- Google says apps from external sources are about 50 times more likely to carry malware and notes the process does not include content or malware scanning.
- Initial feedback includes support from institutions in pilot countries, while many developers warn the change threatens Android’s openness and developer anonymity.